Producer and film exec Len Amato has been named svp, HBO Films, responsible for overseeing the development and production of HBO Films for the cable network.
"Len is one of the smartest executives in the industry with an impeccable reputation for good taste and great talent relations," said Colin Callender, president, HBO Films, to whom he will report directly. "He has a brilliant sense of story and has wonderful working relations with some of the finest writers in town. We have worked with Len on several occasions and we're thrilled he is now joining us. He will be a powerful addition to our executive ranks as we ramp up the development of our next slate of HBO Films."
Prior to joining HBO, Amato was president, Spring Creek Prods., co-founded by Paula Weinstein and Mark Rosenberg. His producer/exec producers credits include: ANALYZE THIS and ANALYZE THAT, starring Academy Award-winner Robert De Niro; POSSESSION, featuring Oscar-winner Gywneth Paltrow; DELIVER US FROM EVA, with LL Cool J and Gabrielle Union; RUMOR HAS IT, featuring Jennifer Aniston, Kevin Costner and Oscar-winner Shirley MacLaine; and, most recently, the Golden Globe- and Oscar-nominated BLOOD DIAMOND, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Djimon Hounsou and Academy Award-winner Jennifer Connelly; as well as THE ASTRONAUT FARMER with Billy Bob Thornton and Virginia Madsen.
He joined Spring Creek Prods. in the mid '90s as vp, development, running the company's New York City office. In 1998, he moved to Los Angeles to serve as evp of Baltimore/Spring Creek Pictures, when Weinstein partnered with director Barry Levinson to create the company.
Amato made his producing debut in 1997 with HBO's FIRST TIME FELON, directed by Charles Dutton. He also was exec producer of HBO Films' IRON JAWED, starring Academy Award-winners Hilary Swank and Anjelica Huston, in 2004.
Amato was a story editor for De Niro's newly formed Tribeca Prods. in New York where he worked on such films as Michael Apted's THUNDERHEART and Irwin Winkler's NIGHT IN THE CITY. Amato began his film career as a story analyst for various independent producers and studios.
Prior to his career in the film industry, Amato was both a musician and actor, performing at renowned venues like CBGB's and La Mama Experimental Theatre in New York City.
He is a member of the Producers Guild of America.
